TEAM MEMBERSHIP and FORMS
There are 3 steps to joining Team G:
1. Subscribe to Team G Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Team G Newsletter to receive any updates
1. Join Special Olympics Minnesota (This is required)
- Visit the Special Olympics Minnesota Website.
- Complete the Athlete Application . When asked if you are connected with a delegation, you can fill in Team G or 11.GIG to be placed with our team.
- Fill out the application, medical information, and consent pages. Fax is the best method.
- The papers must be on file before the athlete is allowed to participate.
- Once submitted you can also email teamgtwincities@gmail.com with questions about placement.
2. Subscribe to Team G Newsletter
- Subscribe to the Team G Newsletter to receive updates by email for details on upcoming sports seasons and registration.
3. Read the following Team G Information and Membership Guidelines
Team G Membership Guidelines
Participation: The focus of the Special Olympics organization is to give an opportunity for sports competition. Using the Special Olympics MN guidelines and structure, Team G (part of Area 11) offers a variety of sports where athletes can train and compete in sports that they love. Our athletes learn about exercising, teamwork, commitment, training and the thrill of competition. We encourage athletes to participate in as many sports as reasonably possible. However, for several sports, State competitions are held on the same dates and this may present scheduling conflicts.
Team sports such as basketball, athletics, bocce, and swimming relay races require a commitment to attend both Regional and State games. In addition, it is very important that athletes are present at the first several practices when timing/scores/teams are collected for competition registration.
Season: Most sport seasons are 10-12 weeks long. Regional Competitions, when our athletes compete against other Area 11 teams, are scheduled mid-season and State Games are at the end of each season.
Practices: Practices are generally held weekly for 60 to 90 minutes. Athletes are expected to attend a minimum of 8 of 10 scheduled practices. The head coach along with volunteer Level 1 and Level 2 coaches will help athletes and encourage proper techniques, good sportsmanship and physical fitness. Generally, we practice at sites in Hopkins, Bloomington and St. Louis Park.
Supervision: Please note that a parent/guardian or staff/PCA must stay with their athlete at practice or arrange for someone at practice, other than the head coach, to supervise and help the athlete. Athletes needing 1:1 assistance or supervision must bring their own support person. Our coaches want to encourage independence during practice and we are happy to guide your athlete but caregivers must manage the need for 1:1 supervision. If an athlete is using alternate transportation (i.e. Metro Mobility) please let the coaches know so that athletes are not left alone.
Fees: There are no fees to be a part of Team G at this time.
Competitions: Athletes ages 8 and up may compete in competitions. All athletes are eligible for competition regardless of their ability. Note that athletes who wish to compete at the State competition must compete in the Regional competition for that sport. An athlete cannot skip Regionals and then compete at State. SOMN organizes and runs the Regional and State competitions.
- The Regional competition event includes other teams from Area 11 (Minneapolis and suburbs). Ribbons are awarded to participants. The Regional times/scores are used to place athletes in appropriate competitive divisions for State Games.
- The State competition includes teams from all over MN. Athletes are assigned to competitive divisions based on age, sex and qualifying times or scores that are established at the Area Games. Medals (gold, silver, bronze) and place ribbons are awarded to all participants.
Uniforms: Athletes will be given a free uniform for their sport.
Sport Registration: Team G athletes will register for sports using our on-line system, only. Enrollment will be on a first come first served basis. Preference will be given to existing Team G team members and brand new/outside athletes will be placed on a waiting list until openings are available.
Communication: Information is shared through Team G Newsletter. Subscribe to Team G News to receive updates.
Thanks for your interest in Team G.
RENEWAL OF Medical and Consent FORMS
- o The Application and Medical form (2 pages) must be updated every year
- o Consent forms are renewed at age 18 years and then are permanent.
We’ll email you before your forms expire. Remember, athletes are not allowed to practice or compete unless forms are up-to-date and on file.
o Print athlete forms: https://specialolympicsminnesota.org/get-involved/athletes/
o or visit www.somn.org
o Submit completed forms to the Special Olympics MN office.
See the form for information and instructions.
